Written by Christian Ward
Art by Sami Kivela
Published by Dark Horse Comics
This is a completely strange and screwy graphic novel and I just loved it.
I primarily know Christian Ward to be an artist, and it is a sheer delight to see that he also can write really well. This is an enjoyable read from start to finish and it really left me wanting more.
This book takes place in the Prohibition era. Elliot Ness and the Untouchables are on the hunt for Al Capone. It is a pretty familiar set up with a bit of a twist: this Al Capone deals with a substance called “Lick.” Instead of booze, that is the substance of choice.
We get to see pretty quickly what Lick does to a person. Lick grants the user magical abilities. And some of these people aren’t using it for good means.
The book then follows Ness and his Untouchables as they try to take Capone down.
It is a very well written book. The events in history unfold as they did in real life.
Yet, Ward injects his story into history and it works seamlessly. We also get to see the various people using Lick. One person makes tattoos come to life; another one becomes a living bonfire. It is all creative and smart.
The art by Sami Kivela is perfect. Kivela has always been an amazing artist. Kivela has done a flawless art job on this book. There are also backup stories drawn by Ward as well. This is an awesome first volume and I can’t wait for the next one!
RATING: A-
